tfs
patreon
2021 Update
🕑 Added 2021-02-12 18:01:01 +0000 UTCHey everyone, Scott from TFS.
It’s 2021, and we’ve all made it through a particularly rough year. One that’s left the channel looking a little more barren than we prefer. With a lot of questions, concerns, frustrations, and suggestions from fans, we wanted to take a minute to fill you in on what’s been happening, what’s happening now, and what will be happening in the future, and hopefully clear the air.
First, let’s touch on something that’s been sort of vague these last several years: What is Team Four Star?
There’s been this growing idea that, because of our subscriber count and success of DragonBall Z Abridged, that we’ve managed to become a full on production house, and that our income and talent pool is large enough to produce content of similar quality from scratch on a regular basis.
But the truth is that we’re essentially a 10-person operation, with everyone having varying skillsets (editors, composers, entertainers, to writers, actors, etc.). For us, any major production is going to take a lot of time and effort on our part, as we’ve had to keep our staff count low enough to cover all our expenses. And since the end of DBZA and the move away from Abridged-style content, we’ve also had to refocus our efforts across the board on original projects (including the ShortZ). This was always going to involve a lot of exploration and experimentation, which we were prepared for.
Then COVID-19 happened.
We had a slate of projects that had started production in 2019, looking to be finished and released in 2020. A couple of these projects were Unabridged and AWF, but there were others that we’ve yet to announce. When COVID hit, our office was shut down immediately, several projects were put on hold—or shelved entirely—and our gaming channel took a huge hit as we were unable to record in person, a format we (and our audience) greatly prefer.
Unabridged was the biggest project to be put on hold. We’re aware of its more limited audience, but it was one the most fun, experimental projects we were producing. It was something we all enjoyed working on as a team, and had a lot of potential to grow. So when it had to be put on hiatus due to the pandemic, along with AWF and our other, unannounced projects, it changed up our whole timeline.
By the end of Spring 2020, it was apparent that we probably wouldn’t be able to resume several of our productions until 2021 at the earliest. So, we shifted over to producing a few “quarantine projects.” The one-off videos for Haikyuu and Dr. Stone were experiments with original animation and anime parody, but we’ve also been developing a couple of original, serial projects that are nearing completion. In the meantime, we made sure to stick to the Talkcast Podshow as a way to keep in contact with you guys, and also for our own genuine enjoyment.
Now, as we said with the gaming channel, due to restrictions, we were unable to record in person with one another. This heavily limited our ability to produce new gaming videos that we felt were both up to the quality standard people expected, but moreover… that we actively enjoyed. While we know that part of doing one’s “job” shouldn’t be entirely hinged on one’s enjoyment, it should go without saying that lack of enthusiasm and enjoyment shines through negatively when it comes to that kind of content.
There’s also been a general malaise around gaming content on YouTube, as Twitch is a more effective platform, both for engaging with an audience and making money. As such, we’ve struggled to maintain our focus on our gaming channel, especially as views on those videos had already been slowly decreasing over the past couple years. It was never our intention to entirely abandon the channel, but it was obvious that we needed to rethink how we wanted to approach it. We do have a plan to release more consistent content on that channel, mostly via our mad lads Kirran and Grant, as well as group content we’ve been trying to organize.
But we are entirely aware that the dearth of content over 2020 also came with a lot of silence on our part. That ties into one of the biggest issues we’ve had over the last several years: communication and transparency.
Why? Why has this remained such an issue?
There are a few reasons, but one of the biggest has been our track record of sticking to deadlines and consistently delivering. Time and time again we’ve given you dates for established projects, or even announced new projects, only for things to change nearing release (God knows nobody wants another cock up like with Bojack). We’ve been working to fix these issues for a long time, but with 2020 completely changing up how we run our business, we knew that promising anything in the long term would likely backfire on us. As such, we’ve kept things closer to the vest than we honestly prefer.
Another reason is our ongoing struggle with our image; our “brand”, if you would. DragonBall Z Abridged is still a huge part of our “brand,” and inarguably helped us get where we are today, but it is—for all intents and purposes—over. While we understand that a lot of people think our issues would be solved by returning to DBZA, our reasons for ending the series have only become more valid since we announced we were finished with it. Even if we returned to DBZA, we'd just be kicking the can down the road. We still have to deal with the growing pains of original production, and we choose to deal with them now.
The ShortZ (and an upcoming side project) will continue to provide similar content in the vein of DragonBall related parodies. But, to put it simply, we have no intentions of making another “Abridged” series again. There are too many issues that range from legal to practical that make them utterly untenable for us.
This has meant that we’re having to grow more and more careful about what we announce and when, because we’re trying to figure out what we want to ultimately invest our time into. Again, we’re not some big production company.
The long and short of it is: We are just a bunch of guys making stuff we like on YouTube. Honest to God, that’s what we’ve always been.
I want to tell you that, going into 2021, we’ll have better communication. I want you guys to trust us and stick with us. But, the fact is, it’s been a rough road here, already. A lot of folks aren’t getting what they originally signed up for, we haven’t firmly established our future goals, content has been coming out inconsistently, and the growing pains of creating original content are abundant. Our reticence hasn’t helped with this, either.
But this whole post is a way of trying to reach out, not as a company, but as people who love making content, who just want to talk to you like normal human beings. Because over the last few years, it feels like we haven’t. We’ve tried to wear a corporate mask to help sell this image of us as a professional production studio in the hope of pushing our products, when really we’re just a group of people working on passion projects, and who’ve always been at their best when being frank with you guys.
No deflections, no corporate doublespeak, no bullshit.
Trust us, guys, we fucking hate all of that too.
As for our productions moving forward: firstly, for those of you who come to us for general anime parodies? The biggest source of those will be X in X Minutes, in the same style as the Demon Slayer one I put out last year.
Secondly, over the course of the Spring, you’ll begin to see the projects we started developing after COVID struck. The one we’re really excited about is Magic Time Wizards, an animated production created by Stephan, Kirran, and Grant that has already been shown off on our Patreon. Then, later on the in year, the stuff we had to put on hold should begin to make a return.
Finally, with the changes we’ve made, we have more time to invest in rebuilding the gaming channel. As we said before, Kirran and Grant are already recording stuff for you guys, and we have a few more ideas in the pipeline that make the channel a more unique experience than massive blocks of videos devoted to a single game.
Ultimately, 2020 being a right bag of shit doesn’t excuse the longer, overarching problems we’ve had. A lot of us are legitimately trying to figure out what the direction of our team is, and we do sincerely apologize for the frustration, anger, confusion, and concern we’ve caused in the meantime. We’re not asking for forgiveness, merely an understanding of where our minds and hearts have been.
We look forward to the release of our upcoming projects and hope that we can better communicate with you all, not just about new projects, but about us, who we are, and what we want to do.
Thank you so much for your time, please stay safe, and I hope you’ll stick around for the future.
- Scott “KaiserNeko” Frerichs
Comments
Lucy in Bookland
No hard feelings at all! Covid has been hard for everyone, and you guys have been dealing with these growing pains (your words, but I think they're perfect) for awhile, and it's totally understandable that 2020 only made that harder. We're all excited to see what you grow into, and we understand that there are going to be stops and starts (not to mention backsteps, deadends, and reverses) along the way. Totally understandable and expected! For the gaming stuff, I really like it when creators who move to Twitch still use Youtube as least as something like an archive of their Twitch stuff. I don't usually manage to catch stuff when it's current on Twitch, but I like having a backlog of stuff I can put on in the background when I work. I know the format is different, but I'm excited to see whatever you end up doing!
James H
I agree with the other commenters - I'm staying put. I've been a fan since Lani put out Yu Yu Hakusho abridged 😄. I was similarly bummed about the end of DBZA but I hold no grudge about any changes. Your explanation made 100% sense. Plus, I get to always treasure the memories of seeing the premiere of the Trunks Abridged movie at a con and every other laugh and "oh I forgot that was a thing!" moment along the way. I've had quite a journey in life up to this point and DBZA always been an option to make the hard things easier. To be honest, 2020 gave me both covid and cancer... No joke. I will never hold 2020 against anyone, especially you guys. I feel like I've known TFS so long almost like a childhood friend (sad as that may sound) and I have every intention of watching you guys grow and experiment in the background while I continue navigating my own life. Also I'm not a twitch user (I watch the youtube archives like a loser 😛) but if TFS gaming end ups moving there, I'll follow as long I see a solid heads up. I can only hope that my membership begins to pay back some of the smiles you've given me and others over the years.
ToftheJ
Your stuck with me for the long haul I'm afraid.
A Red Mage Named Blue
You guys have helped keep me mostly sane throughout this whole thing.
Raboute
Good communication. Always nice to see. "Forgiveness" is all yours, even if I never felt slighted.
TyrosineTek
I spent the last four or so years watching quietly from a distance. Due to time differences and my work schedule, I hadn't been able to catch things live. Now that I'm fortunate enough to work from home, I can listen to streams in the background or take my lunch watching the streams. When my newborn daughter was in hospital for issues breathing, there was a Gundam video that gave me comfort by being able to listen to some normal conversation when my life was chaotic. 2020 was a kick in the pants to us all and I kept my Patreon going knowing it was a rough year. Heck, even if TFS really only became an umbrella brand for all you guys individually I'd still be in.
Veletala
Thanks for the update, Scott. I'm glad to hear things are still in motion, and it's a great call getting Grant and Kirran to push out some gaming content together. Their chemistry is what makes their stuff so enjoyable to watch and be a part of, it can only work out in TFS' favour - especially given the 'drought' of content due to COVID. You'll always have my support guys, I'll love you till the end!
Zachary Happy Trans Kid Mcbortion
Really excited can't wait to see what's coming
JoeJoeBinks97
Looking forward to it!
Robert McNeely
What a great message and inner reflexivity. Thank you folks, as always, for injecting as much humanity and truth as you can into the aether. There are so many of us (patrons and non-patrons) who have such a vested interest in your creative ideas and passions. You have nothing to prove or make up for, and I hope you know it. Thanks for all the joy and warmth. We believe in you. :)
Magnasium
Thank you for taking the time to sit down and write all this; I'm sure it wasn't easy to do. Speaking for myself, I'm fine with you not announcing deadlines that will stress you to keep to, or make you feel depressed if they pass. I do agree that Twitch gives the benefit of more personal interactions with us, plus you don't have the pressure of making sure it's a high quality vid to put out on the channel. So if you decide to focus more on Twitch, I'm fine with that. Though honestly speaking, I'll be fine with whatever you choose.
ForbiddenSun
I'll still, support you guys Scott! Thanks for your honesty!
Team Four Star
Unfortunately, due to copyright issues and how YouTube functions, Abridged Series are off the table. They also take a lot of time and energy away from original projects. The closest we can see ourselves coming to Abridged content is the ShortZ and projects like X Minutes. - Scott
Kufang
Bros 2020 sucked ass no worry’s you guys do yous just keep ur self’s safe from this COVID crap plus ur channel wasn’t empty than you think But if I can make one request that the next VR among us if Kaiser can be in it Only if he can 🤩🤩
JThom529
Thanks for everything guys and hope things get better. You have my support, always.
Zach Levy
I love your abridged your serieses of course. But honestly, I find your original content to be much more interesting. As it really let's us see your true creativity, and what you all are thinking about when viewing the content out there.
ForbiddenSun
I'm very disappointed to hear that no new abridged series are on the mind. I don't dislike X in X min but I thought you guys did such a good job with abridged series, and Hellsing, FF7MA and DBZA were the main reasons I supported TFS. I've since lowered my subscription (mainly COVID and $$) but I still wish all the best for all the talented people at TFS, and hope a new abridged series will someday be slated.
Kinan Eldari
You know you got my support, guys : )
J. L. Schultz
I didn't drop my membership when you guys announced you were going to renege on DBZA Season 4, and unless I have a major change in my life, I'm not going to now. Ever since I joined on Patreon I knew I was going to be in for the long haul. You ALL have brought me so much joy throughout your time together, including those who are no longer part of the company, and I can't wait to see what you become later down the road. Don't let the vocal minorities get you down. There are far more of us that believe in the crew than don't and when you all finally figure out how to move forward, we'll be behind you to give you any support you need along the way. I love you guys.
TheWyrmSuperior
I joined the Patreon because I wanted to support y'all as passionate human beings producing content that I love. Glad you all still have the passion, and I appreciate the efforts at being more transparent and open about it. Hope 2021 is leagues better than 2020, enough to make it just a bad memory. <3
Jennifer-Rose Rizzo
Like so many others, I'm here for the long haul. Can't wait to see what you guys do next, in spite of the 2020 setbacks. Can't wait for more Unabridged, you guys FLOURISH irl. From one person to another, great job keep it up we'll be here to support you. Thanks for the laughs!
Bill Gartner
After following the team since episode 6 or 7, I decided to finally support what little I can. Like mentioned previously, DBZA brought me here but the people will keep me around. I also am just in love with the Among Us streams. It allows me to see the other people in the team and watch you all just have a good time. Thanks again.
Jaquin
Glad you guys are still doing ok. I don't blame anyone for the lack of content. 2020 was brutal.
Benjamin
Thanks for the update Scott! I understand the set backs that COVID has brought on to all businesses, and that's beyond anyones control. I've enjoyed the content the team has been able to put out. I'm glad to hear that we'll be getting more Grant and Kiran high jinks soon. Thanks for all the great content, and I'm looking forward to what you have planned for the future!
Face Into Keyboard
There have been some bright spots at least. Recently, the Among Us VR content had me laughing harder than I have in a long while. Jesse's editing had me howling it was so funny.
Charles Arthur
Came for the DBZA, stayed for the people. I'm with you goobers till the end of the line.
GodaBoham
Years ago I was a fan of just DBZA but over time I’ve become a fan of Team Four Star itself. I’ve enjoyed just about all content the team has done together and their own individual streams. There’s been a lot of laughs, tears, and various emotions when experiencing your content. I’ve just typed this out to say I plan on supporting and sticking with this team until the very end. Sincerely, a grateful fan
Terry Olson
Thank you for the update. I look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2021!
TeraTremolo
Well. Thank you for the update and the insight into what’s going on. I have noticed the lack of content, but at this point, you guys would have to literally to my face tell me to fuck off before I’d stop supporting you guys. No matter the struggles you face. No matter the doubts you encounter. No matter how the future looks, you’ve got my support for life, because I enjoy each and every one of you not just as an entertainment company, but as people. Hang in there TeamFourStar. Whether you feel like it or not, you’ve brought light into this man’s life during the nightmare of 2020. - Tera Tremolo
Mega
I am happy you finally layed down some facts and glad to hear more detailed stuff from you again. Yeah 2020 has been a rough year so I didnt really blame you guys for the lack of content but I am very happy you wanna try to keep communications up been part of this patreon family for a while sinply cause I love you guyses work it is one of the better produced and written comedy bits many myself included enjoy. Thank you for saying all this and I do look forward to what you have planned as well as hoping communications are solid as well (Like twitter should work right?) And Lastly You guys may get it alot but why not also start guiding some upcomming people who wanna try their hands or vocal cords to abridging and voice acting to writing? May that be a neat idea to dabble with since you guys cannot cover everything yet it also be a way for you guys to share your knowledge and experience. Either way happy with what you told us and i look forward to more i do enjoy the shorts, X minutes and gaming channel alot
